In September 2024, posters with the words “Russia is not our enemy” and calls to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine and Israel appeared on the streets of northern Italy. This action was organized by the Italian organization Sovranita Popolare (Italian: People’s Sovereignty), which first emerged during protests against lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now actively engaged in pro-Russian agitation.
This was reported by the Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
On its website, Sovranita Popolare published an article justifying the campaign, positioning it as an “expression of public opinion.” The main message is that Italy is under the control of “secret groups” that create “artificial fear” of Russia by bribing the media. The organization accuses the Italian government of ignoring the opinion of citizens, although opinion polls show the opposite: in 2024, 39% of Italians considered Russia an enemy, and another 15% considered it a rival.
Sovranita Popolare ‘s publications focus on accusations of “Russophobia” in the West and sanctions against Russian cultural figures who supported the war. For example, the organization criticizes restrictions on Russian exhibitions and concerts in Europe.
Monitoring of the organization’s publications revealed a number of materials authored by Russian propagandists. For example, articles by Russian “expert” Vladimir Kozin, who praises Putin’s policies, are simultaneously posted on Ukraine.ru, a website known for its pro-Kremlin narratives. The “recommended books” section of the website features works by Russian nationalists, including Valery Korovin, who openly supports the war against Ukraine.
Sovranita Popolare is a typical example of the Kremlin’s recruitment of fringe groups in Europe. The organization uses a mixture of right-wing and left-wing populist slogans, pacifism, and conspiracy theories, and its actions are actively replicated in Russian media to create the illusion of “protest moods” in Europe.
One of the main dangers of such groups is not so much their influence on public opinion as the possibility of using them to: organize sabotage actions; political provocations; and intelligence activities in the interests of Russia.
Sovranita Popolare is part of the Kremlin’s global information strategy aimed at undermining trust in democratic institutions and weakening support for Ukraine in Europe. Although their actual influence in European countries is limited, it is important to monitor the activities of such organizations to prevent them from being used for more dangerous activities.
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